A Message from our Patron, Archbishop Desmond Tutu

A Message from our Patron …

11th January, 2002.

I would be honoured to be patron of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Welfare Trust. As the situation in Zimbabwe deteriorates, help is desparately needed for the most vulnerable.

God bless you.”

Signed Desmond

+Desmond M. Tutu Archbishop Emeritus

Trust Profile …

Our mission is to undertake the task of alleviating the hardship and suffering amongst members of the farming community of Zimbabwe namely farmers, farm workers, others connected with agriculture and the families of all such persons who have been directly affected by civil unrest.

We undertake to provide assistance with and promotion of the physical and mental health, education, financial needs and general welfare of the agricultural community. Agriculture is the bedrock of the ailing Zimbabwean economy, yet the agricultural community at all levels has borne the brunt of these events. Gangs of self-styled “war veterans” have invaded farms, intimidated and assaulted farmers and their workforce, appropriated or destroyed livestock and property. Apart from the documented cases of torture and killings on Zimbabwean farms, numerous laborers have been rendered homeless, jobless and without access to education and healthcare as farms have had to be abandoned and businesses closed.

The Zimbabwe Agricultural Welfare Trust recognises the need for fundamental land reform in Zimbabwe and the right of all Zimbabweans to democratically determine their futures. ZAWT has no political allegiance or agenda. Its aims are purely humanitarian, in that by supporting the individual people, families and communities who make up the human side of Zimbabwean agriculture, we may contribute to keeping a key part of Zimbabwean society, as well as its economy, alive.